Rhode Island construction company fined just under $20,000 by OSHA after death of Fall River man while on the job

A construction company received 3 citations after the death of a Fall River man while on the job.

32-year-old Jose Luis Collaguazo Crespo tragically passed away on February 11th at his work, the Meshacket Commons project in Edgartown, Marthas Vineyard.

Crespo had fallen from a ladder about two stories into the basement of the unfinished building.

Crespo was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

First reported by the Vineyard Gazette, OSHA has cited Empire Builders of Pawtucket for $19,860.

All three citations were labeled as serious.

The first citation states:

“The employer did not provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways, as necessary, which would enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards. Location: New residential apartment building 34 Meshacket Rd. Edgartown, MA. On or about 02/11/25 employee working from an 8-footstep ladder fell 28 feet to a basement floor below. Employee sustained fatal injuries.”

The second citation:

“29 CFR 1926.1060(a)(1): The employer shall ensure that each employee has been trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable: Location: 34 Meshacket Rd. Edgartown, MA. First front new residential building. On or about 2/11/25 employee was not trained by a competent person in recognition of fall hazards.”

The third citation:

“29 CFR 1926.1060(a)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee using ladders and/or stairways had been trained by a competent person in the nature of fall hazards in the work area: Location: 34 Meshacket Rd. Edgartown, MA front first new residential building. On or about 2/11/25 employer did not ensure employee was trained by a competent person to recognize the fall hazards he was exposed to at the time.”

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Crespo was a hard-working man who, five years ago, emigrated from Ecuador driven by the desire and determination to successfully provide for his family. He leaves behind a 1-year-old, 2-year-old, and 8-year-old. His family states that he has left behind a legacy of love and sacrifice.

Crespo’s services were held in Fall River with burial in Ecuador.